When news of an unfavorable nature comes to one’s attention — and its truth or falsehood has yet to be established — one must not hasten to pass it on to others. Verify it first with due diligence. Without such verification, harm shall inevitably follow.
Moreover, when we receive news of an adverse or distressing nature, our own mind becomes clouded and unsettled in that very instant. Should we then transmit it to another, their mind too shall be clouded in turn. And when the mind is clouded and defiled — let there be no doubt — unwholesome kamma has already arisen. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.
Furthermore, should the news one has forwarded prove to be false — fabricated and without foundation — one shall have borne a part in the dissemination of falsehood to others, becoming in effect an instrument of false speech, and thereby accumulating additional unwholesome kamma upon oneself. This demands the most careful and conscientious attention.
In former times, it was the words spoken by the mouth that gave rise to merit or to demerit. In this present age, it is equally the press of a finger upon a screen that bears the same consequence.
Let it therefore be firmly resolved: do not be hasty in forwarding any news of an unfavourable nature. Follow it through to its source. Examine it carefully and with clarity. Without such discernment, one risks becoming an instrument in the fanning of falsehood — which is, in truth, nothing other than the fanning of unwholesome kamma.
February 23rd, 2015
